The Difference Between One-Hump and Two-Hump Camels The Difference Between One-Hump and Two-Hump Camels Advertisement For years scientists believed that camels - like unicorns, mermaids, and the American Indian - were just a mythical creature used to market cigarettes. That was until scientists discovered the existence of real-life camels in the Egyptian desert in 1967. But seriously speaking, there are three types of camels, which are one-hump camels, two-hump camels, and camel cigarettes. I am only going to address the first two types. Dromedary is the name for one-hump camels. This type of camel is common to Africa and the Middle East. It was exported all over the world and is now relatively common in Australia and North America, where is has been used sporadically over the years as a pack animal. Dromedary camels are much more common than two hump camels and much less common than camel cigarettes. Bactrian Camels are much less common than dromedary (one-hump). Bactrian camels are native to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.

Aside from the obvious difference of the number of humps, Bactrian Camels differ in a few other key ways. For example, the Bactrian camel grows a thick coat of hair each winter. That coat of hair falls off every spring. This is to deal with the extreme variation of temperature in the Gobi desert where summer highs often top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter months can see significant amounts of snow. In general, Bactrian camels are much more mild-mannered than their hot-tempered dromedary kin. (The Dromedary camel has a uniform length of hair year round.) Estimates for the number of Bactrian Camels in North America range from about 400-800 head. It is possible to cross breed the two types of camels. Some people would expect that by breeding a one-hump camel with a two-hump camel that the result might be a three hump camel. The actual math equation is closer to this: one-hump camel + two-hump camel=a camel with one really large hump.

Due to lower numbers, and the higher regard in the eyes of breeders, Bactrian camels command much higher prices than Dromedary camels. by Cameron Hatch Arabian (Dromedary) Camels, Arabian (Dromedary) Camel Pictures, Arabian (Dromedary) Facts - National Geographic Flock or Caravan Did you know? Unlike many other animals, camels move both legs on one side of the body at the same time. Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man: The ancient camel question is: One hump or two? Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, have only one hump, but they employ it to great effect. The hump stores up to 80 pounds (36 kilograms) of fat, which a camel can break down into water and energy when sustenance is not available. These humps give camels their legendary ability to travel up to 100 desert miles (161 kilometers) without water. Camels rarely sweat, even in desert temperatures that reach 120°F (49°C), so when they do take in fluids they can conserve them for long periods of time.

In winter, even desert plants may hold enough moisture to allow a camel to live without water for several weeks. When camels do refill, however, they soak up water like a sponge. A very thirsty animal can drink 30 gallons (135 liters) of water in only 13 minutes. Other adaptations help dromedaries thrive in desert conditions. Their nostrils close to keep sand at bay, and they have bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes to protect their eyes. Large, tough lips enable them to pick at dry and thorny desert vegetation. Big, thick footpads help them navigate the rough rocky terrain and shifting desert sands. Arabian camels have been domesticated for approximately 3,500 years and have been long valued as pack animals. They can carry large loads for up to 25 miles (40 kilometers) a day. Some cultures judge a person's wealth based on the number of camels they own. Today, nearly all of the world's camels are domestic animals. They are found in northern Africa and southwestern Asia, and have been introduced to Australia. What Is a Dromedary?

| Wonderopolis Wonder of the Day #530 What Is a Dromedary? What's the difference between Dromedary and Bactrian camels? How can you remember which type of camel has how many humps? Tags: Listen If you need to get around the desert, a Dromedary can come in really handy. Of course, a Bactrian would also work. What are we talking about? Camels, of course! Wonder Friends already know that camels can go a long time without drinking . And it's not because they store water in their humps. Those are filled with fat! But why do some camels have one hump and others have two? Would you believe there is more than one type of camel ? It's true! Camels belong to one of two species : Dromedary or Bactrian . Dromedary or Arabian camels have one hump. Bactrian camels have two humps. If you think it's hard to remember which type of camel has how many humps, it's not! Just turn the first letter of each name onto its flat side.

The “D" in Dromedary makes one hump, and the “B" in Bactrian makes two humps! There are other differences between Dromedary and Bactrian camels besides the number of humps they have. For example, Dromedaries come from the deserts of West Asia (the Arabian Peninsula) and Africa. Bactrian camels come from Central and East Asia . Both types of camels have been domesticated for use as working animals for over 4,000 years. In fact, of the millions of camels alive today, there are very few, if any, living in the wild. Most working camels can now be found in Africa, Southwest Asia and Australia. Bactrian camels tend to be larger than Dromedaries. They also have to withstand harsher climates, like the Gobi Desert of Asia. In summer, temperatures in the Gobi Desert can exceed 120° F, while in winter it can get to -20° F! Dromedaries easily outnumber Bactrian camels. Experts believe the population of domesticated Bactrian camels is around 2 million.

There are more than 14 million Dromedaries around the world. Camels are amazing creatures that have some unique features that make them great working animals. For example, camels have a third eyelid that moves sideways like a windshield wiper on a car. It helps to keep sand out of their eyes. Camels are also extremely strong. They can carry riders 100 or more miles in a day. Camels can also carry almost 1,000 pounds on their backs, but they travel shorter distances (25 miles per day or less) when carrying such heavy loads. If you ever get the chance to ride a camel , you'll understand that they're intelligent animals that have good eyesight and hearing. They can also be very noisy — grunting , moaning , bellowing and roaring to communicate their happiness or displeasure with their situation! Wonder Words (12) Camel | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants Species: dromedarius (dromedary camel) ABOUT Camels make a rumbling growl that was one of the noises used to create Chewbacca's voice in the "Star Wars" movies! Ships of the desert.

Camels were domesticated more than 3,000 years ago, and to this day, humans depend on them for transport across arid environments. They can easily carry an extra 200 pounds (90 kilograms) while walking 20 miles (32 kilometers) a day in the harsh desert. Camels can travel as fast as horses but can also endure legendary periods of time without food or water. Humans have used camels for their wool, milk, meat, leather, and even dung, which can be used for fuel. The dromedary camel, also known as the Arabian camel, exists today only as a domesticated animal. About 90 percent of the world’s camels are dromedaries. There are two types of Bactrian camels: wild and domesticated. Wild Bactrian camels are much trimmer, with smaller humps and less hair, than domesticated Bactrian camels. Bactrian camels have two humps (like a B on its back). They store fat, not water. One hump or two? The dromedary camel has one hump and the Bactrian camel has two. What’s the easiest way to remember the names?

Think of the capital letter D lying on its side with just one hump: D stands for dromedary. Now think of the capital letter B on its side with two humps: B for Bactrian! But what’s in those humps? They store fat, not water. The fat becomes an energy source for the camel. Dromedary camels are domesticated camels. But they still spit when perturbed. The length of time a camel can survive on this stored energy depends on climate and the animal’s activity levels. The size of the hump can change, depending on the amount of food the camel eats. When food is scarce, the camel’s body uses the fat stored in the hump, causing the hump to lean over and droop. A camel can go a week or more without water, and it can last for several months without food. It can survive a 40 percent weight loss and then drink up to 32 gallons (145 liters) of water in one drinking session! The spitting image. Do camels really spit? Yes, and it’s most unpleasant. They aren’t actually spitting, though—it’s more like throwing up!

They bring up the contents of their stomach, along with saliva, and project it out. This is meant to surprise, distract, or bother whatever the camel feels is threatening it. You can tell if a camel is about to spit: its cheeks fill up and bulge. You’d think a large animal like a camel would be safe from predators, but it is known that Bactrian camels have been attacked at water holes by wolves. HABITAT AND DIET Extreme living. Bactrian camels, native to the Gobi Desert in China and the Bactrian steppes of Mongolia, grow a shaggy coat in the winter for protection from the freezing cold and shed the coat during the hot summer. These camels can survive a wide range of temperatures, from minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 29 degrees Celsius) to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius)! Domesticated dromedary camels are found throughout desert areas in North Africa and the Middle East. A feral population of dromedary camels lives in Australia. The camels were imported in the 19th century as pack animals and were used to cross the vast desert regions there.

Swirling desert sand can be a problem for most of us, but camels have special adaptations for the pesky stuff. A thin nictitating membrane on each eye, like a clear inner eyelid, protects the eyes from sandstorms while still letting in enough light for camels to see. Double rows of extra-long eyelashes also help keep sand out of the eyes. And camels can close their nostrils to keep sand out of their nose, too! Their large, broad feet are heavily callused; they expand when stepped on and contract when lifted to simplify walking in sand or snow. Camels are diurnal and spend their days eating. They are very clever at finding food in their harsh desert environment. Each half of the split upper lip moves independently, so camels can get near the ground for eating short grass. These tough but flexible lips can break off and eat vegetation such as thorns or salty plants; they even eat fish. Camels are ruminants, like cows, and they regurgitate the food back up from their stomach to chew it again. When they do that, smelly gasses come up as well, making for some pretty potent breath!

At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the camels are offered Bermuda and Sudan hay and herbivore pellets. FAMILY LIFE Highly social, camels live in herds with a dominant adult male; males that have been chased out of the group form bachelor herds. They make many sounds, including moaning and groaning sounds, high-pitched bleats, loud bellows, and rumbling roars. Mothers and their newborns hum to each other. A friendly way one camel may greet another is by blowing in its face. Various positions of the head, neck, ears, and tail have different meanings in camel society, too. For example, ears forward indicates alertness; the tail curled over the back is a sign of submission. A newborn Dromedary camel and its mother. Note the single hump, like a D on its back. Baby humps. When she is about a give birth, an expectant mother removes herself from the herd and finds a private area covered with vegetation for her calving spot. After a gestation of 12 to 14 months, a newborn camel is able to walk beside the mother within half an hour.

The calf has no humps but small peaks of hide, each topped with a tassel of curly hair to indicate where the humps will form. Mother and young return to the herd in about two weeks. Camel calves nurse for 10 to 18 months, depending on species and the availability of food. They do not reach full adult size until about age seven. AT THE ZOO Camels have been represented continuously in San Diego Zoo Global’s collection since 1923, with the arrival of a Bactrian camel and two dromedary camels; the Bactrian camel came from a circus and the dromedary camels were obtained from a Hollywood movie set. Our Zoo’s founder, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, convinced the local Shriners to donate money to help pay for them. When the camels wrecked their pen by rubbing their loose winter fur off on the posts, the Shriners came through again to pay for a new enclosure. In 1924, Shiek became the first camel born at the Zoo.

He was so handsome and tractable that Hollywood movie studios rented him and some of our other camels for silent movies such as Ben-Hur in 1925, Beau Geste in 1926, and its 1939 motion picture remake starring Gary Cooper. The camels earned an actor’s fee, a sum that seemed like a fortune to the fledgling zoo. In 1942, Zoo camels were used in the movie The Road to Morocco. Even in San Diego, with its mild winter climate, the camels grow a shaggy winter coat. Keepers collect the shed hair and distribute it for animal enrichment; the hair is placed in other exhibits so different species can experience new smells and textures. Our camel training program began in 1995 when a baby camel, Belle, needed to be hand raised. Although camels have been domesticated since ancient times, keeper Pat Butler found no camel-specific training aids. With some tips from the Zoo’s trainers and a positive-reinforcement strategy proven successful with horses, he taught Belle to wear a halter with grace and style. Belle made some prime-time television show appearances, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Camel halter training makes it easier for veterinarians to give the camels routine check-ups, and the strolls allow the camels to stretch their legs and meet Zoo and Park guests up close! Each walk takes two keepers: one to lead the camel and the other to scoop poop! Today, the San Diego Zoo has two dromedary camels, Karima and Zara, living with pronghorns in Elephant Odyssey. When keepers place large piles of sand, mulch, or wood shavings in their exhibit, the two do a “happy camel dance” by wildly bucking and kicking all four legs in all directions—what a sight to see! They can also be persistent and naughty, especially when they use their lips to manipulate the lid off an automatic drinker and remove the water bowl, resulting in a flowing river through their exhibit. A domestic Bactrian camel, Mongo, can be seen next to the Australian Outback along Center Street. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has two domestic Bactrian camels, Eli and Mouse, who live with the Park’s herd of Przewalski’s horses. They all get along very well! A dromedary camel, Dune, serves as an animal ambassador.

Camels learn to spit from other camels, but Dune was raised with a zebra, so he doesn’t spit! CONSERVATION Humans have used camels since ancient times. They were even brought to the US in the mid-1800s as a potential source of transportation across the West, as well as a replacement for beef cattle. Today, if the nomads of Africa’s Saharan region continue their traditional way of life, they will need the dromedary camels for milk, wool, and transport. Bactrian camels, however, are at critical risk, facing a decline in the wild as they are hunted for sport or killed because they compete with domestic camels and livestock for grazing and watering spots. They are also hunted for their meat. Their habitat is also being taken over by illegal mining operations. There are currently about 650 Bactrian camels in China and about 450 in Mongolia. The Wild Camel Protection Foundation was established in 1997 and has set up a natural reserve in China for wild Bactrian camels. You can help us bring species back from the brink by supporting the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy .

Together we can save and protect wildlife around the globe. Sounds The Camel, Dromedary (One Hump) and Bactrian (Two Humps) - DesertUSA Bactrian camel (two-humps, endangered): Camelus bactrianus Description A tall desert-dwelling creature, the camel has become an icon of the Asian and African deserts. Generally the camel is a pleasant animal. If well treated, the domestic camel is very docile and easy to manage. If ill-treated, they can become very stubborn. Camels can easily be identified by the unique one or two humps on their back and their long necks. Range Dry desert areas of southwestern Asia, the Sahara Desert in North Africa and along the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East and Indian desert areas. There is a large feral population of dromedary camels in the Australian outback. Physical Characteristics Height: 6' at shoulder , 7' at hump Weight: 500 to 1500 lbs Body length: approx. 10' When running, a camel can reach a speed up to 40 mph in short bursts, 25 mph for longer periods of time. Camels do not have hooves.

The foot of a camel is made up of a large leathery pad, with two toes at the front, the bones of which are embedded in the foot. The padding makes the gait of a camel silent, and keeps it from sinking in the sand. The camel also has pads of thick leathery skin, on its leg joints, enabling it to kneel or lay in the hot sand. Similar to giraffes, camels move both legs together on each side of their body to walk. Voice There are a number of different sounds that the camel can make. Grumpling, bellowing and grunting sounds are common. They also can bleat like a goat or lamb. They also make a loud roaring noise. Domestic Uses As a domestic animal, the camel is used for milk, food and transportation. Camels can carry up to 200 lbs on their back for distances in the heat. Their dung is so dry that it can be used to fuel fires. Diet and Habitat Camels are herbivores, they most commonly eat grasses and desert plants, although there are stories of camels consuming tents and just about anything else around.

The inside of their mouth is lined with very thick skin that allows them to chew up thorny plants that other animals cannot consume. They can reach trees and limbs that are up to 11' high. The stiff hair on their nose allows them to forage in prickly or thorny plants. The diet of a camel requires salt, so the salty plants that grown in salt lakes and other areas are part of their normal diet. Camels are ruminant feeders and do not chew when they eat their food, but later regurgitate the cud and finish digesting it later. Behavior and Life Cycle An adult camel reaches sexual maturity around the age of 2 to 3 years. They do not normally give birth prior to the age of 5 years. Once a cow starts breeding she will give birth to a calf about once every 2 to 3 years. The breeding is seasonal and occurs when daylight hours increase. The female cycle is about 27 days in length. Once pregnant, the duration of the pregnancy is about 12 to 12.5 months. Normally a single calf is born, but on rare occasion twins have been conceived. The calves are born with their eyes open and with a thick coat of fur.

Their humps don’t develop until their diet changes from milk to solid food. The young stay with their mothers for several years, but in captivity they are normally weaned at 1 year. Camels travel in herds or caravans containing mostly females and calves with one dominant male. The other bulls (males) will travel in bachelor herds. They will leave the herd to rut for about 2 to 4 months, breeding or dominating as many females as they can in their area. When resting, the camels in the herd will congregate closely to keep their temperatures lower. The males (bulls) tend to become more aggressive during mating season. They will snap at each other and neck wrestle. When agitated a camel will spit regurgitated food at the agitator. The average life span of a camel is 40 to 50 years. Predators Humans are the main predator of the camel population. Most camels, close to 90%, are domesticated. Other than humans, the only predator is the tiger. Adaptations A camel’s hump consists of fatty-tissue which minimizes heat-trapping insulation in the rest of their bodies, keeping them cooler.

The fur or coat on a camel can reflect the sun and insulate the animal from the heat radiated from the desert environment Camels can withstand variations in temperature and water intake beyond what other animals can handle. Their body temperatures range from 93 F during the night and 106F during the day. This variation helps them reduce the amount of fluid they lose from sweating. A body weight loss of 20 to 25% from sweating can occur before a camel becomes dehydrated. Most other animals cannot exceed a 3-4% loss before heart failure occurs. Camels have oval shaped red blood cells which helps keep blood flowing in dehydrated states. The cells can also handle the changes that occur when the camel consumes large amounts of water. This process is called osmotic variation. The nostrils of a camel trap and recycle water vapor from exhalation and return it back to the body, reducing the amount of water lost during the respiration process. An inner nictitating membrane protects the camel’s eyes from blowing sand. This inside lid is very thin - when closed the camel can still see through it. The waste of a camel releases very little moisture.

Their urine is the consistency of syrup and their fecal pellets are dry enough to use as fire fuel or cooking fuel. What is the difference between Bactrian camels and dromedaries? Bactrian camels’ native range is the steppes of north eastern Asia. They have two humps. The wild species is considered to be endangered as only about 950 remain in northwest China and Mongolia. There are probably 1.4 million domesticated Bactrian camels today. Dromedaries have only one hump and flourish in the deserts of north Africa and the Middle East. Read more about the Bactrian camel . Interesting Facts: More than half of the world’s camel population is found in Somalia, a region of Ethiopia. Camels only sweat when the outside, daytime temperature is 106°F or higher. Camel calves are born without a hump. A camel can drink anywhere from 5 gallons to 21 gallons per day. Though they have a reputation for spitting, the substance they expel is really regurgitated food, much more noxious than spit, and far less moist. Most camels only spit when provoked.

Camels do not store water in their humps, the humps contain fat. SEARCH THIS SITE Facts about Camels More than half of the world’s camel population is found in Somalia, a region of Ethiopia. Camels only sweat when the outside, daytime temperature is 106°F or higher. Camel calves are born without a hump. A camel can drink anywhere from 5 gallons to 21 gallons per day. Though they have a reputation for spitting, the substance they expel is really regurgitated food, much more noxious than spit, and far less moist. Most camels only spit when provoked. Camels do not store water in their humps, the humps contain fat. The U.S. Army experimented with the use of camels in the 1800s. View Video about The Black Widow Spider. The female black widow spider is the most venomous spider in North America, but it seldom causes death to humans, because it only injects a very small amount of poison when it bites. Click here to view video. What Food Does a Camel Eat? | Animals - mom.me What Food Does a Camel Eat? Hey, is it dinnertime?

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images Camels come in two types: dromedary or one-hump camels and bactrian or two-hump camels. The bactrian is native to Central Asia, while the dromedary comes from the Middle East and northern Africa. Both species have very similar diets and eating habits, regardless of where they live. General Diet Rules Camels are herbivores and will graze—eat constantly throughout the day—just as sheep do. Camels are also ruminants, which means they eat food, then regurgitate it and chew it before swallowing one last time. This is why camels have four stomachs, to help them process food properly. Because they live in the desert, where food might be scarce, they move constantly while eating. This actually helps preserve vegetation so no area is completely degraded by constant eating. What They Actually Eat Food choices are limited in the desert, so the camel is not exactly picky. Whatever twigs, stems and green shoots are available—except poisonous plants, which the camel can recognize—he will eat. The camel will even eat plants like saltbush, which are thorny and which most other animals will ignore.

Camels near oases have more access to greener options, such as willows and poplar leaves and twigs. What the Humps Are All About The humps of the camel are for fat storage, not water storage as many people believe. According to National Geographic, the humps can store as much as 80 pounds of fat, which can be easily broken down and used for nourishment—in place of both food and water—when nothing else is available. The humps alone are enough to keep a camel alive for a couple of weeks without eating or drinking. The Water Issue In winter, when greener food is available, camels might be able to go a long time without water, because they get enough hydration from the green food they're eating. How long depends on how much greenery they're eating, though. When water is easily available, the camel will drink lots of it—up to 30 gallons in a matter of minutes. Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images Author Aside from writing experience, I also have coaching/teaching experience, both as an writing coach (currently teaching three workshops at and an ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language)teacher abroad.

I'm a certified Nutrition Consultant and fitness trainer and a longtime contributor to health/wellness publications, from Self to Marie Claire. I am fluent in Spanish and have worked as a translator and a language instructor. I also have two books forthcoming in 2008. See More Animals Camel Fact Sheet Camelids originated in North America during Eocene, 40-45 million years ago (Cui et al., 2007) Appeared in middle Eocene in North American mountains/plains/deserts (Franklin, 2011) Earliest camelids similar to modern guanaco but rabbit-sized (30 cm at shoulder) (Franklin, 2011) One of most common ungulates in N.

America by late Eocene and Oligocene (24-36 million years ago) (Franklin, 2011) Camelid tribes: four emerged, two survived Camelini and Lamini diverged about 11-25 million years ago DNA evidence dates the split to 25 million years ago (Cui et al., 2007) Fossil record dates the split to 11 million years ago (Webb 1974; Harrison 1979) Only Camelini and Lamini tribes survived worldwide climactic changes at end of Miocene Camelini (wild and domestic Bactrian camels and dromedaries) Old World (Asia, Middle East, Arabia, North Africa) Lamini (lamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos) New World (South America) Migration: two major waves (Webb, 1974) About 3 million years ago (late Tertiary): Camelini migrated across Bering land bridge into Asia Across dry belt of Eurasia, into India Lamini migrated to mountains of South America Both tribes became extinct in North America Modern camelid species Unclear evolutionary relationship between C.

bactrianus, C. dromedarius, and C. ferus DNA studies show wild Bactrian Camel not ancestor of two domesticated species as previously thought C. ferus is separate lineage and not direct progenitor of C. bactrianus (Ji et al, 2009) Bactrian camels and dromedaries diverged about 5-8 million years ago (Cui et al., 2007; Franklin, 2011) No evidence to indicate that Bactrian camels were ancestor of dromedaries (Kinne et al, 2010 Domestication: exact dates not clear - some disagreement among the experts Bactrian camels Domesticated about 4,000-6,000 years ago in steppes of eastern central Asia (Peters & von Driesch, 1997; reviewed in Groeneveld et al., 2010) Spread to Asia Minor ca. 4000 BC, Middle East ca. 2000 BC, China ca.

400 BC (Peters & von Driesch, 1997) Currently 16 Bactrian camel breeds (FAO, 2008) Dromedaries Domesticated about 4,000-5,000 years ago (Peters & von Driesch, 1997; reviewed in Groeneveld et. al., 2010) Currently 97 dromedary breeds (FAO, 2008) Wild Bactrian camels Gashun Gobi, in Gansu Taklamakan Desert, in Xinjiang (this population may now be extinct) Arjin Shan Lop Nur Nature Reserve' (est. 2000) and adjacent northern slopes of Arjin Shan mountains Great Gobi Reserve A (est.

1982) and adjacent areas (Reading et al., 1999; Mix et al., 2002; Wang et al., 2002) Mongolia Trans Altai Govi Desert (Mix et al., 2002; Yadamsuren et al., 2004; Yadamsuren & Dovchindorj, 2005) Foothills of the Edren Range to Shiveet Ulaan Hükh Tömörtei Range to the state border Domestic animals have been introduced throughout the arid and semiarid regions of the world. Domestic Bactrian camel Cold desert regions of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. Dromedary Hot arid deserts of Africa and Middle East Most in Somalia and Sudan. A large feral population of dromedaries exists in Australia Archeological finds indicate that both the dromedary and domestic Bactrian camel were imported into northern provinces of the Roman Empire for military and civilian use (Pigière & Henrotay, 2012).

Past and current distribution of wild Bactrian camels in Mongolia and China ( Schaller, 1998 ). Click map to enlarge. Other ungulates walk on tips of hoof-covered toes. Wild Bactrian’s hoof is claw-like. Humps Composed of fibrous tissue and fat. When fat is metabolized, it acts as a source of energy. Concentration of body fat in humps is advantage in hot climate Minimizes its presence throughout the rest of body This reduces heat-trapping that occurs with insulating layers of fat. Available nutrition determines size and shape - humps nearly disappear with starvation. Not used for water storage. Nostrils Slit-like - can be closed to protect against blowing sand. Special nasal cavities moisten air on way in, trap moisture going out. Eyes/Eyelids Long lashes protect against blowing sand. Bony arch over eye acts as sun shield. Ears Hairs protect ears from blowing sand. Mouth Prehensile lips, upper split in 2 halves. Incisors and canine teeth grow though out life. Physiological Adaptations Adaptations for extremely dry environment Red blood cells are oval (round in other mammals) Can flow quicker in a dehydrated state.

Urine is more concentrated than other animals (less water loss). Dung is dry. The kidneys and intestines are good at retaining water. Can tolerate loss of water equal to over 30% of body weight (Franklin, 2011) Most mammals die if they lose 15% Wild Bactrian camel (not domestic) is able to drink saltwater slush when fresh water is unavailable. Adaptations for extreme heat Able to endure temperature extremes, from -40°F in January to over 100°F in summer. Have only 25% the number of sweat glands as found in cattle Only sweat when body temperatures reach 41-42°C (105.8-107.6°F) Long legs keep bodies further from the hot ground to reduce overheating. Adaptations for blowing sand Long eyelashes and ear hairs form a barrier against blowing sand. Slit-like nostrils can close. (Gauthier-Pilters & Dagg, 1981) (Tulgat & Schaller, 1992) (Bannikov 1976) Domestic camels are maintained in a semi-wild state.

Obtain food from wild vegetation, water from humans. Unguarded camels will return to a familiar well. Wild camels extremely shy Adult Females ~3-4 years, males around ~5-6 years. Longevity MANAGED CARE (Gauthier-Pilters & Dagg, 1981) (Wild Camel Protection Foundation) A small population of introduced dromedaries and Bactrian camels survived in the Southwest United States until the 1900s. Imported from Turkey. Part of the US Camel Corps experiment, used as draft animals in mines. Escaped or were released after the project was terminated. Camel milk is a staple food of desert nomad tribes - richer in fat and protein than cow milk. Cannot be made into butter in the traditional churning method. – must be soured first, churned, and a clarifying agent added. The milk can readily be made into yogurt. Many healthful properties - used as a medicinal product in India. Bedouin tribes believe it has curative powers. The Wild Camel Protection Foundation has established a captive breeding program in Mongolia. Only 15 wild Bactrian camels are currently in captivity in China and Mongolia.

Females can produce 1 young every two years. Artificial insemination may be necessary with such small numbers. POPULATION AND CONSERVATION STATUS Dromedary, Arabian camel Dromedary, Arabian camel Citation: Syst. Nat., 10th ed., 1:65. Type locality: "Africa," deserts of Libya and Arabia (domesticated stock). Click on the pictures above for a larger view of the photographs General Characteristics Body Length: 300 cm / 10 ft. Shoulder Height: 180-210 cm / 6-7 ft. Tail Length: 50 cm / 20 in. Weight: 600-1000 kg / 1320-2200 lb. The smooth coat is beige to light brown in wild-type individuals, with the undersides slightly lighter. However, selective breeding has also produced forms that vary from dark brown to white. The legs are long and slender, with callouses on the 'knees' where they touch the ground when the animal is lying down.

Though often called the one-humped camel, the dromedary has two humps used for energy storage in the form of fat. The under-developed anterior hump sits over the shoulders and the large rear hump is found in the centre of the back. The upper lip is deeply split, and the nostrils can be closed. There are long eyelashes, which help to keep sand out of the eyes. The two broad toes on the feet are able to spread widely as an adaptation to walking on sand. Ontogeny and Reproduction Sexual Maturity: Females at 3-4 years, males at 5-6 years. Life span: 40 years. The overall birthing season extends from January to May, although each region has a shorter, more defined spread. Ecology and Behavior The ability of the camel to survive in desert conditions without water for long periods of time is rivalled by none. The many physiological adaptations the dromedary have even earned it the title "ship of the desert". Dromedaries can glean much of their needed water from desert vegetation, and can survive after losing over 40 percent of their body weight in water.

When water is available, whether fresh or brackish (salty), camels drink well - up to 57 litres at a time. Camels also have a flexible 'thermostat', and will not start sweating until their body temperature reaches 42oC / 107.5oF. Nor do heating mechanisms kick in during the cooler nights until the internal temperature reaches 34oC / 92oF. Besides saving energy, this physiological adaptation allows the camel to "store" coolness in preparation for the next day. On hot days, dromedaries will rest together in closely packed groups, with reduces the heat reflecting off of the ground considerably. Wild-type behaviour has been studied mostly in Australia, where the animals are not influenced by people. Groups are in no way territorial, and during droughts may join up with other groups, forming large herds of several hundred animals. Large migrations may be undertaken by these groups in the search for water. During the reproductive season, males splash their urine on their tails, which is flicked up and down, sprinkling the back and surrounding area.

Meanwhile, male dromedaries also extrude their soft palate, which hangs out of the side of their mouth like a red balloon. Copious saliva turns to foam as the male gurgles, covering the mouth. During the breeding season males become very aggressive towards each other, defending their groups of females from all rivals. Conflicts are often serious, consisting of snapping at each other while attempting to neck-wrestle the other to the ground. Suffocation of the loser may occur if a male succeeds in felling his opponent with the rival's head between the winners leg and body. The main vocalizations include a sheep-like bleat used to locate individuals and the breeding gurgle of males, while a whistling noise is produced as a threat noise by males by grinding the teeth together. Family group: Feral herds of females and young led by an adult male, generally with fewer than 21 individuals, other males solitary or in bachelor groups. Diet: Leaves, grasses. Main Predators: None known. Distribution Deserts in northern Africa, Arabia, and the Middle East, while a feral population is found in Australia.

Range Map (Redrawn from Köhler-Rollefson, 1991) Conservation Status All true wild dromedaries are extinct. However, the population of domestic dromedaries is approximately 15 million, rendering their status common. Remarks The dromedary, or one-humped camel, was described by Linnaeus in 1758. There are no true wild dromedaries in the world today - they were domesticated between 4,000 and 2,000 B.C.E. for travel, meat and milk, and running, and became extinct in the wild around 2000 years ago. A large feral population (estimated between 25,000-80,000 individuals) exists in the Australian outback, descended from pack animals imported between 1840 and 1907. Dromedaries were also introduced into the southwestern United States in the middle of the 19th century for both transportation and meat, but due to the building of the railroads, the experiment was declared useless.

Many of these camels were turned loose, and feral populations survived until the early 1900's. Despite its common name "one-humped camel", the dromedary actually has two humps, although only the rear one is fully developed. A simple way to remember which camel is a Bactrian and which is a Dromedary - if you rotate the first letter of the name so it sits flat, you will get the basic profile of the animal (and the approximate visual representation of the humps). Camelus (Latin) a camel. Dromeus (Greek) a runner; -arius (Layin) suffix meaning pertaining to: hence dromedarius (New Latin) a running camel. Literature Cited Klingel, H. 1990. Camels. In Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Edited by S. P. Parker. New York: McGraw-Hill. Volume 5, pp. 85-96. Köhler-Rollefson, I. U. 1991. Camelus dromedarius. Mammalian Species (375): 1-8. Nowak, R. M.

[editor]. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World (Fifth Edition). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder [editors]. 1993. Mammal Species of the World (Second Edition). Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press. Available online at Who Has How Many Humps?—Bedtime Math—Daily Math By Laura Overdeck | Animals , Daily Math , Science and Nature Camels are known for a couple of weird things. For one, they have that strange hump on their backs — or is it two humps? It turns out there are 2 living “species” or types of camel: the dromedary , which has 1 hump, and the bactrian camel , which has 2 humps. Their four camel-like cousins have the same long neck and legs, but aren’t quite as lumpy: the alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña (that last one lives in South America). Also, camels can go for days without drinking water, even in the hot dry desert. But they don’t keep extra water in their hump, like people used to think.

The hump is just a big lump of fat: it stays up there because it if were spread as a layer all around their bodies, they’d be too hot in the desert. Camels aren’t super friendly — they’re known to spit at you if they get annoyed — but if you can climb up on one, you can enjoy a nice bumpy ride. Wee ones: Who has more humps, a dromedary or a bactrian camel? Little kids: A grown-up camel stands 6 feet tall at the shoulder, but its hump is 1 foot higher up than that. How high is the top of its hump? Bonus: If 2 dromedaries and 2 bactrian camels go for a walk, how many humps do they have? Big kids: Camels can live for 50 years. How many years from now will you match that? Bonus: If you have 20 humps in the room, and there are twice as many bactrian camels (2-humped) as dromedaries, how many of each animal do you have?

Question: How many humps would you find on a dromedary camel?
Answer: one